2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Renault 25
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 25. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 25 would be higher. At 2,165 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 25 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1988 Renault 25. (124 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 25. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 25 weights approximately 409 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 25, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Renault 25 (186 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 25 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1988 Renault 25 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Elise | 25 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2165 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
